2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count in Santa Clara County

The Point-in-Time Count is an Annual Census of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and is a crucial initiative to understand and address homelessness in Santa Clara County. By conducting an accurate and comprehensive count of homeless individuals, we gain valuable insights into their unique needs and challenges. This knowledge, in turn, enables us to create more effective strategies to provide assistance, support, and resources to those experiencing homelessness in our community.

In prior years, the methodology for the PIT centered around observations only of PEH, with a small sampling of surveys conducted later. This year, the focus will be on a survey-first approach that emphasizes interviews over observations. Observational tallies will of course still be available, but the goal is to survey as many PEH as possible to obtain the most information so we can better serve our most vulnerable neighbors. 

Point-in-Time Count Details:
Who: Who are my regional administrators? Who should I reach out to for help? This sheet provides the contact information of the admins by region so you know who to email. 

When:  Wednesday, January 22nd and Thursday, January 23th
Where:  Opportunities are available throughout Santa Clara County.
How Can I Help?
There are several volunteer roles for the Point-in-Time Count. Your jurisdictional lead will provide more information and training information. Here are some ways you can help:

• Interview people experiencing homelessness using the Counting Us Mobile App
• Identify known locations where people experiencing homelessness stay in the "Counting Us" mobile app. A QR Code for accessing the app can be found in this Getting Started Flyer.
• Lead a team of volunteers to assigned areas to conduct interviews.
• Manage interview incentive supplies for distribution to people completing the full interview
• Monitor real-time data collection for quality and integrity through the Command Center (HMIS experience preferred)
• Spread the word about volunteering for the Count

Volunteer Registration is now closed. 

Thank you for your interest in supporting the PIT Count! We've had a wonderful response from the community and we've reached capacity for volunteers. If you would like to submit your name for information about next PIT Count, please leave your name and contact information at this link: https://forms.gle/52cqmQq5kB5NmFP76 

If you would like to be notified of other opportunities or receive updates about efforts to end homelessness, you can be added to our Continuum of Care email list. Please email info@santaclaracountycoc.org and indicate you want to be added to the Continuum of Care list serv. Thank you so much!

I'm Interested in Volunteering - But I Need Training
County-wide training for the count was held Monday, January 13th at 10am. 
Training Slides
Training Recording 

Community Meeting January 10, 2025
Community Meeting Slides         
Community Meeting Recording     Please note the code to access the recording is 7L#@pT&0
 

What is expected of me as a Volunteer?

List of additional material on cultural humility:

Important resources before and during the Count:

• What is on the My Count page?
• What steps should I take to get started with the Counting Us app?
• Other important links

Day(s) of the Count:

Volunteers will be requested to work in shifts generally between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (i.e., from check-in to completing counts and surveys at assigned locations to check out). Local Jurisdictional Leads will provide more detailed information on the times and starting locations. The unsheltered count focuses on teams coming together to drive to designated areas and/or canvass by foot to count at exact mapped locations and complete surveys with willing PEH encountered.